Medical Services related to James K. Richardson MD

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation team assists patients in returning to an independent and productive life. The team consists of the patient, nurses, doctors, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, rehabilitation engineers, recreational therapists, social workers and speech language pathologists. The team collaborates to develop and implement an individualized rehabilitation care plan.  They meet weekly to coordinate and facilitate recovery by collaborating with patients and their families regarding the next step in the patient’s care plan.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Lumbar degenerative disc disease is a chronic (ongoing) degenerative condition of the lumbar spine that affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs of the low back. The discs lose water content and shrink, and spurs often form as osteoarthritis develops. 

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner nucleus of the vertebral disc in the spine pushes through the outer wall. The condition usually occurs in the lower back but it can also occur in the neck. The herniation can result in a large bulge that can press against nearby nerve roots causing pain.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is the joint that connects the spine to the pelvis and serves primarily for weight bearing.  When the SI joint is painful, activities such as walking, sitting and standing can stress it, causing worsening pain.  

Scarred Nerves

After a trauma, a large cut or surgery around the nerves, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue is both good and bad. It helps the nerve attach to nearby structures, but when the patient moves, pressure is placed on the nerve because the scar tissue can pull on the nerve. Even without movement, the scar tissue can reduce the nerve's blood supply. All of this can cause significant nerve pain.

Sciatica (Lumbar or Sacral Radiculopathy)

Sciatica is a common form of back pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Irritation of any of the nerve roots that contribute to it can lead to back pain that travels through the buttock and into the lower extremity.